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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of the waddling gait observed in some pregnant women?
What is the primary cause of the waddling gait observed in some pregnant women?
Pregnancy typically results in a significant decrease in bone density.
Pregnancy typically results in a significant decrease in bone density.
False (B)
What are the red streaks that appear on the skin of pregnant women called?
What are the red streaks that appear on the skin of pregnant women called?
Striae gravidarum
Which of these conditions is NOT typically associated with gastrointestinal changes during pregnancy?
Which of these conditions is NOT typically associated with gastrointestinal changes during pregnancy?
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Match the following changes in pregnancy with their respective systems:
Match the following changes in pregnancy with their respective systems:
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The heart is displaced upward and to the right during pregnancy.
The heart is displaced upward and to the right during pregnancy.
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What is the medical term for the nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy?
What is the medical term for the nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy?
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The primary hormones that increase during pregnancy are progesterone and estrogen.
The primary hormones that increase during pregnancy are progesterone and estrogen.
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What is the main reason for the physiological changes during pregnancy?
What is the main reason for the physiological changes during pregnancy?
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What is the typical range of weight gain during pregnancy for an average patient?
What is the typical range of weight gain during pregnancy for an average patient?
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The ______ is a protective barrier that forms over the cervix during pregnancy.
The ______ is a protective barrier that forms over the cervix during pregnancy.
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Match the following bodily changes with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following bodily changes with their corresponding descriptions:
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What is the primary anatomical change that occurs in the uterus during pregnancy?
What is the primary anatomical change that occurs in the uterus during pregnancy?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical musculoskeletal change during pregnancy?
Which of the following is NOT a typical musculoskeletal change during pregnancy?
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Postural changes during pregnancy are primarily caused by changes in the center of gravity resulting from abdominal growth.
Postural changes during pregnancy are primarily caused by changes in the center of gravity resulting from abdominal growth.
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Flashcards
Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy
Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy
Pregnancy involves increased levels of hormones such as Progesterone and Estrogen, leading to various physiological changes.
Purpose of Anatomical Changes
Purpose of Anatomical Changes
Changes in the body during pregnancy support fetus nutrition and prepare the mother for delivery.
Normal Weight Gain
Normal Weight Gain
Typical weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 9.5 to 14.5 kg for single pregnancies; more for twins.
Uterine Changes
Uterine Changes
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Cervical Changes
Cervical Changes
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Breast Changes
Breast Changes
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Musculoskeletal Changes
Musculoskeletal Changes
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Postural Changes
Postural Changes
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Striae gravidarum
Striae gravidarum
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Linea nigra
Linea nigra
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Waddling gait
Waddling gait
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Morning sickness
Morning sickness
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Cardiac output increase
Cardiac output increase
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Diaphragmatic respiration
Diaphragmatic respiration
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Urinary frequency
Urinary frequency
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Palmar erythema
Palmar erythema
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Study Notes
Anatomical and Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
- Not all changes during pregnancy can be covered
- Important changes affecting major organ systems will be highlighted
- Knowing "normal" is key to diagnosing and managing pregnancy problems
- This knowledge may be personally important in the future
Pelvic Floor Muscles
- The pelvic floor muscles wrap around the bladder, uterus, and rectum providing support
Uterus Changes
- Uterus weight increases from 60 to 1000g
- Uterus size increases from 6.5 to 32 cm
- Uterine expansion is caused by the growing fetus
- Increased connective tissues and blood vessels size/number contribute to expansion
Cervix Changes
- Cervix is closed during pregnancy
- Mucous plug forms over the cervix creating a protective barrier between the vagina and uterine content
- Cervix shortens and dilates during labor to allow for fetal passage
Breast Changes
- Increased blood flow to the breasts
- Increased breast size
- Increased ductal growth
Musculoskeletal Changes
- Ligament laxity throughout pregnancy may increase joint injury risk, especially in the back, pelvis, and lower extremities
- Back pain may progressively increase during pregnancy
- Abdominal muscles stretch
- Pelvic floor muscles may drop up to 2.5 cm
Postural Changes
- Postural changes accommodate for abdominal growth
- Forward head, rounded shoulders, increased lumbar lordosis, hyper-extended knees, and pronated feet
- Center of gravity shift causes balance changes
- Hip flexors, low back muscles, and pectoralis experience muscular changes
Skin Changes
- Striae gravidarum (stretch marks) due to skin overstretching, rupturing elastic fibers and small blood vessels
- Red streaks appear below the umbilicus, breasts, buttocks, and thighs
- Red striae become silvery after labor
Hyperpigmentation Effects
- Linea nigra: line of pigmentation between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis
- Mask of pregnancy (butterfly area): Pigmentation on upper cheeks, forehead, and upper lip
- Increased nipple pigmentation
Hair Growth
- Increased fine hair growth during pregnancy
Palmar Erythema
- Palmar erythema (redness of palms) may occur during pregnancy
Gastrointestinal Changes
- Enlargement of the uterus displaces the stomach and intestines, leading to a vertical position at term, instead of horizontal
- Increased intragastric pressures and a change in the angle of the junction (esophageal opening) may lead to heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) can occur, but the etiology is unclear
Respiratory System
- As the uterus expands, the diaphragm moves upwards (up to 4cm) and the rib cage widens.
- Abdominal muscles have less tone and activity, resulting in diaphragmatic breathing.
Cardiovascular System
- Uterine enlargement and diaphragm elevation cause the heart to be displaced upwards and to the left
- Heart size increases by 12%
- Cardiac output also increases by approximately 50%
Renal System Changes
- Uterine enlargement displaces the urinary bladder
- Bladder shape flattens in the anterior-posterior diameter
- Urinary frequency increases due to pressure
- Capacity increases to around 1500ml; muscle tone decreases
- Possible loss of urinary control
Varicosity
- Some women experience significant discomfort from dilated veins in the lower half of the body; this can affect exercise and mobility
- Hydrotherapy and gentle swimming are beneficial
- Gentle exercise reduces vein dilation effects by pushing fluids from the legs into the trunk and core
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Description
Explore the key anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. This quiz highlights significant alterations in the uterus, cervix, breast, and pelvic floor muscles, important for diagnosing and managing pregnancy issues. Understanding these changes is crucial for health professionals and insightful for personal awareness.
